Brigitta “Gitta” Schilling was born in Berlin in 1936 into a world of war and poverty. Her family faced many hardships – something she discusses in the 2010 documentary: Gitta Schilling – Timeless.
Gitta Schilling in the 1950s
At the age of 16, Gitta was discovered while walking in a local parade, and by 1958, she was dividing her time between Berlin, Florence, Paris and New York, working with the best designers and photographers, as one of the world’s most famous fashion models.
From 1958 to 1964, Schilling graced the covers of numerous magazines, including Vogue and Madame, and was appointed ‘ambassador of elegance’ in Germany. Between the late 1950s and early ’60s, Gitta was indeed one of the most sought-after mannequins in the world, a style icon immortalized by some of the most talented photographers of the time, including William Klein, Helmut Newton and F.C. Gundlach, with whom she developed an intense and fruitful professional relationship.
After her modeling career, Gitta became a stylist in Monaco before eventually retiring to a private life. Here are some glamorous photos of a young Gitta Schilling in the 1950s:
Gitta Schilling in cocktail dress of black tulle banded in tafetta with white organza collar by Sinaida Rudow, photo by Hilla Korn, Germany, 1955
Gitta Schilling in silk halter dress, black with white circles, photo by Hilla Korn, Germany, circa 1955
Gitta Schilling, Berlin, photographed for Saison-Journal, 1957
Gitta Schilling in airplane decor for the Senator Class 1958, photo F.C. Gundlach
Gitta Schilling in beautifully fitted dress of fine black tweed, cleverly seamed to curve into a rounded skirt by Pierre Balmain, photo by Richard Dormer, Harper’s Bazaar UK, October 1958
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